Mokoena: Commitment will carry us through

Steve Wilson

Knight: Well-deserved Pompey win at Fleetwood

Aaron Mokoena has shrugged off Pompey’s lack of numbers and vowed to fight.

The Blues have struggled to cope in a poor recent run and failed to land any new permanent additions in the January transfer window.

But Mokoena, who is currently away with South Africa on international duty, believes what Pompey lack in numbers, they more than make up for in terms of commitment.

He said: ‘I think the fans have seen that the players who are here are players who want to be here and want to do the job for the club.

‘We had a lot of interviews before and during the transfer window but now we must get on with what we have.

‘All of us here want to help the club get back to where it belongs.

‘As players, we are honoured to play for this club.

‘We know what the fans are asking for and we know what this club means to them.

‘We also have a manager who is so passionate – this is the togetherness we need to keep us going.’

Pompey have slipped towards the relegation zone in recent weeks after a 10-match winless run, and while most supporters were disappointed not to see any new permanent recruits joining the cause, Mokoena insists those decisions are for others to make.

He said: ‘Some situations are beyond a player’s control.

‘I don’t want to get involved in that but we need 110-per-cent focus from the players on the pitch.

‘Whatever happens, happens, but we will give 110-per-cent focus on the pitch.

‘Of course it’s worrying to be five points away from relegation but that’s not what we’re thinking about.’